Kauai hiker reportedly swept down Hanakapiai Stream

50+ hikers, 2 rescue personnel stranded in Hanakapiai Valley

Rescue crews will resume a search Friday for a missing female hiker who was reportedly swept away while trying to cross Hanakapiai Stream Thursday afternoon, according to Kauai County officials.

At around 3:45 p.m., hikers coming out of the Hanakapiai Valley began notifying Kee Beach lifeguards of hikers stranded on the far side of Hanakapiai Stream due to a rise in the water level.

Rescue crews on a fire department helicopter were en route to assist the stranded hikers when they were then notified of a woman who was apparently swept downstream while attempting to cross the stream. The woman’s identity is not yet known.

Originally reported as roughly 20 stranded hikers, officials have now confirmed over 50 hikers, along with two rescue personnel, are stranded in the Hanakapiai Valley overnight, unable to cross the swollen stream.

Hazardous conditions, including strong winds and the stream’s high water level, made Thursday's search and rescue effort difficult.

Rescue crews, firefighters, and lifeguards from the Ocean Safety Bureau will be back on scene at first light Friday to continue the search for the missing woman and assist the stranded hikers.

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